Francesco Ruschi (Rome, ca. 1600 – Treviso, 1661)

Born in Rome around 1600, Francesco Ruschi trained in the workshop of Cavalier d’Arpino and was influenced by the Caravaggesque environment.

He moved to Venice between 1620 and 1625, where his painting stood out for its theatrical use of light, rich colors, and monumental figures, blending the lessons of Caravaggio with those of Paolo Veronese.

He produced numerous altarpieces, mythological and allegorical scenes, influencing artists such as Antonio Zanchi.

Ruschi also worked as an illustrator for the Accademia degli Incogniti, contributing to the visual culture of the Venetian Baroque.

He died in Treviso in 1661, leaving behind a body of work that reflects the vitality of 17th-century Venetian painting and the dialogue between Roman naturalism and lagoon decorative style.

Photo UniCredit Group (Sebastiano Pellion di Persano)